23 December, 2016

The Japanese
government has announced it will bolster its coast guard capabilities
to defend disputed islands in the East China Sea. China also claims
and regularly patrols these islands. The coast guard budget is
expected to reach a record of 210 billion yen (approximately $1.8
billion), adding eight new ships and more than 200 law enforcement
officials.

Japan’s
government also just approved a record defense budget of 5.1 trillion
yen (approximately $44 billion), with a focus on China and North
Korea. The budget is set to include six new submarines equipped with
improved sensor technology, which is to be used to deter the
challenges presented by the Chinese. The increased funds will also go
toward an upgraded missile defense system.

Japan has
supposedly been investing in a submarine program since the 1950s and
analysts consider the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s
submarine fleet to be one of its core strengths.

However, it
remains to be seen how long Japan will be able to use the term
“self-defense” as a justification for advancing its military
capabilities. Earlier this month, China accused Japan of interfering
with Chinese military aircraft and launching jamming shells,
endangering the safety of Chinese aircraft and crew.